Fabián Álvarez
Assistant Professor of English, Western Kentucky University
Fabián Álvarez currently teaches English at WKU and is a former Potter College and University Teaching Award winner. In addition to teaching, he currently serves as the faculty advisor for HOLAS, a Latino student organization at WKU; serves on several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and committees at the university; and sits on the board for the Hispanic Organization for the Promotion of Education.
Brian Becker
VP of Operations and Special Projects,
Southcentral Kentucky Workforce Development Board
Growing up in Bowling Green, Brian never thought he would spend most of his life here, go to WKU for his undergrad and master’s degrees, meet his future wife, and raise his family here. He’s had wonderful opportunities in his career to work alongside people who are passionate about making Bowling Green a better place for families to grow up in. For over ten years, he worked for a national youth mentoring organization and witnessed how transformative a mentor can be to a young person’s self-confidence and academic achievement. He’s excited to be part of the vision and efforts to encourage and inspire youth selected for the innovative Jonesville Academy.
Dr. Christy Bryce
Director, KY-ABRI at the University of Louisville’s Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research in Schools
Dr. Christy Bryce has been an educator for over 20 years serving as a special education teacher, school psychologist, and Director of Intervention. She is an alumna of Western Kentucky University and earned her Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University. Christy is now an educational consultant working with educators across the state and nation with the mission to get #EveryKidConnected. She plays an active role in the community by partnering with the United Way of Southern Kentucky, the Bowling Green International Center, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and serving on the board of the Family Enrichment Center. Christy seeks to be a dedicated advocate for students with untapped potential.
Daletha Butts
Teacher and Mentor, Lost River Elementary
For over 10 years, Daletha Butts has served children and other educators in the roles of a teacher and mentor in the elementary setting. She is a graduate from Western Kentucky University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a master’s in Exceptional Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language. Currently, Ms. Butts is working on earning her Rank 1 in Educational Administration with receiving her principal certification.
She currently serves as an educator at Lost River Elementary with the Warren County Public Schools district. Ms. Butts emphasizes the importance of developing meaningful relationships, increasing student engagement, and developing a culturally responsive environment and content. Throughout her education career, she has been recognized for many outstanding accomplishments. Ms. Butts has served on the Superintendent Advisory Council, Leadership Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support team, and Site-Based Decision Making Council.
Ms. Butts feels honored to be on the Advisory Board for Jonesville Academy, and she looks forward to its future success.
Matt Idlett
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments
Matt was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, and moved south to Bowling Green to play baseball for WKU. Upon graduation, he started working in the Wealth Management Industry and for the past 16 years has been a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones Investments.
Matt is married to his wife Danette and between the two of them, they have four children: Luke, Jackson, Evan, and Ainsley. He is very active in the community serving on the Board of Directors for the Warren County Public Library, Life’s Better Together Foundation, W-Club and Bowling Green Kiwanis Club.
Curtis D. Johnson
Minister and Mentor
Curtis D. Johnson is an experienced outreach minister, mentor, teacher, and community activist for 15 years. He knows the importance of being personally involved in the positive changes he desires to see by supporting, volunteering, and initiating programs or events to uplift his community. He has invested countless hours into the lives of youth in Bowling Green, KY.
He was educated at the American Baptist College with a bachelor’s in Theology. Curtis was driven to pursue ministry from his passion for helping people during life-altering times and has a keen interest in the personal development of young men.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
Latoya Marks
School Counselor, Caverna Independent School District
Latoya Marks is a Bowling Green native. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts and Western Kentucky University with a Master of Arts in Education. She is a wife and mother to two amazing children and currently works as a school counselor for Caverna Independent School District.
Christopher M. Stunson
Principal and Mentor, Bristow Elementary
Chris Stunson is the principal at Bristow Elementary and has received numerous awards in education on the local and state levels. In addition to being a principal, he currently serves as a mentor for the WKU Young Male Leadership Academy and Boys To Men Leadership Group Kentucky. He also serves on the Warren County Schools Equity Council. He is the father of four children, Lennox, Kenzie, Kaydi, and Kaiser.